Our 2026 South Carolina Guide is Here!

What’s South Carolina’s story?

It’s a monumental year to get to answer that question. First of all, the state continues to receive acknowledgments as a destination for tourism and hospitality: two properties have been named in Travel + Leisure’s 10 Best Inns in the Continental US; James London’s Chubby Fish was again listed in the top half of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2026; and four deserving restaurants have MICHELIN stars to defend, including Scoundrel in Greenville. We asked some of these chefs to share their truly local recipes, including 2023 South Carolina Chef Ambassador Erica McCier’s black-eyed pea gumbo.

Then, there’s the role South Carolina played in the American Revolution. Our column 250 Years highlights some of the tangible history still visible around the state, from the clever strategy of Daniel Morgan and the repeat heroism of teenager Dicey Langston to the dark records of enslavement and colonization of land on which Native American tribes relied.

With this in mind, we put our focus into some of the state’s lesser-told stories, like the Gullah Geechee Seafood Trail, deeply rooted in the creativity and tenacity of displaced peoples who built a thriving culture along the coast; and the soul food ofthe Pee Dee Country, where humble ingredients meet culinary innovation. We also asked writer Erin Perkins to check out some unique camping experiences from Coast to Mountains, whether you’re a kayaker who wants to unplug or a glamper in search of comfort and connection with nature.

Don’t forget to explore the local festivals that celebrate a range of South Carolina’s specific talents, as well as products made right here in the Palmetto State. Remember, this issue is just the tip of the iceberg, and we hope it inspires you to go in search of something local.

Sincerely,

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